<p>Hey guys, I just want to get your opinions on this:</p>
<p>1) Should I add a supplementary sheet of paper that lists my ECs and a description of each while applying to colleges?</p>
<p>2) Which is the best book to read regarding writing the essays?</p>
<p>3) Declare a major? And if so, will Economics hurt me in the admissions process? My ECs and essays are econ./business based, but I've heard that by simply having not enough space, nothing will get you in (I'm talking about top-notch schools)</p>
<p>4) Send the application in immediately when it's due or near the deadline? (Inane question to some but in a post, I read about a person remarking about this notion... I just want to inquire...)</p>
<p>(2) The book by Harry Bauld entitled: Writing a Successful College Application Essay.</p>
<p>(3) It is only necessary to declare a major if you want to get direct admit to a major that is difficult to get into for students already in the college, or if you want to get into their honors programs immediately. Examples are business and engineering at many schools. For example, it is my understanding that at NYU you are forbidden from even applying for the Stern business school as an undergraduate once you are accepted into any other NYU program or if you apply as "undeclared".</p>
<p>(4) My thought is that halfway between the two is best. Not so early to be bunched in with all the super tough people that apply at the earliest opportunity, and not so late as to be considered a "slacker" or uninterested in the school.</p>
<p>You can add a "supplementary piece of paper" only if you apply on paper. You cannot add an attachment to on-line applications. If you still want to put in descriptions of your ECs that don't fit on the app itself, put the information in an "additional information" or similar section of the app.</p>
<p>Only attach a supplementary item if you are sure one is genuinely necessary. It's annoying for admissions counselors to have to turn to a supplement that's been padded when the student clearly could have just used the space provided on the form.</p>
<p>so for #3, when you say it is only necessary to apply... does that basically mean declare "undeclared" or declare an easy major (at colleges in which you can switch majors of course)</p>